What is known so far about new Covid variant Omicron
South African scientists have discovered a new Covid-19 variant, Omicron, with multiple mutations that is thought to be highly contagious. This is what is known so far about the Omicron variant.
The era of anti-Covid pills begins
US pharma giants Merck and Pfizer have announced encouraging results for oral drugs, while an anti-depressant has also shown promise in what could open up a new chapter in the fight against the pandemic.
Covid-19 compared with other deadly viruses
The global death toll from Covid-19, which has passed five million, is already far worse than most other viral epidemics of the 20th and 21st centuries
What next for Covid after five million deaths?
Covid-19 has killed more than five million people since the WHO reported the outbreak of the disease in December 2019, and experts say the pandemic's future path will depend greatly on vaccinations
Covid-19: Further deterioration this week in Europe
The Covid-19 pandemic continued to pick up speed this week in Europe, but also declined in other regions of the world. Here is the global state of play based on an AFP database.
UK govt under spotlight as Covid cases rise again
Britain has repeatedly trumpeted its mass vaccination programme against Covid-19, so why are infection rates so high compared to its European neighbours?
Can Covid vaccine technology help make a better flu jab?
Winter is coming to the northern hemisphere, and with it the flu season -- however advances spurred by the fight against Covid-19 are boosting hopes of finding a more reliable vaccine
Covid treatments: What works, what doesn’t, what might
Overshadowed by the global push for vaccines, the search for treatments for Covid-19 has made steady progress. This is what works, what might work, and what definitely isn't helpful
Turn the page on Covid-19? Not so fast, say experts
With global Covid cases declining, many countries are easing restrictions, but experts say it's far too soon to declare victory amid fears of the emergence of new and deadly variants of the virus
Has Delta killed the herd immunity dream?
As the Delta variant continues its global surge, experts are questioning whether the long-held goal of achieving herd immunity from Covid-19 through vaccination is still viable